Comments and timely issues or random thoughts on Dogs, Cats and other Pets.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Halloween & Your Pets Plus the Chuckit Toy Winner!

HALLOWEEN

Photo by Claire Clayton

With Halloween only a few days away it's time to give some extra thought to your dogs and cats. While children find this holiday fun and many adults enjoy it, most dogs and cats are less than thrilled.Some dogs enjoy getting dressed up and going out with the kids. If you have one of those dogs, be sure the dog's costume allows him to see and breath and allows his legs to move easily.

Photo by Jim Stagg

If your dog is shy, not good around loud noises (like kids screaming), costumes, lots of people milling about, then do your dog a favor and don't make him participate in Halloween activities.Your dog will be happier and safer indoors, in a room of his own with the door closed, toys to play with, a comfy place to nap if he can do that with the doorbell ringing and children shouting. Keep a radio on in the room. He should have a dish of water and, perhaps a puzzle toy with treats inside.Your kitty, too, will be much happier and safer in a room of her own with a litterbox just in case, water and food, scratching post (or horizontal cardboard scratcher), a safe place to nap even if it's just a cardboard box with a towel on the bottom for an impromptu nap. Kitty, too, will appreciate a radio.

Cat with a Wig - Not a good idea tocover the cat's ears!

Don't allow your cat or dog to have any of the candy that you're giving out or that your kids bring home. It's not good for them and you don't want to have to make a trip to the veterinarian! If you're having a party in your home, a separate room of their own is going to be the safest place under those circumstances, too. Being underfoot, or being fed something they shouldn't eat (or drink!) but a guest who thinks it's "funny," is not going to make you or your companion happy.Having your companions closed off in another room will also save you the worry of your dog or cat escaping through the door and getting lost, or possibly hit by a car. Safety is an important issue.

Photo by Linda Aronson

Have fun on Halloween but don't let it be a disaster for your pet.Now for the moment you've been waiting for - the winner of last week's giveaway - a Chuckit LIGHTPLAY Toy by Petmate Products http://www.petmate.com that will provide lots of fun for our winner and their dog. And the Winner is:lchaimcaninePlease send me your name and mailing address via my website: http://www.darlenearden.com so I can pass it along and the toy will be on its way to you!Thank you to everyone who entered.

About Me

I'm an award-winning writer and author whose work covers a wide range of topics from my specialty of pet writing to travel, women’s issues, and celebrity profiles.A Certified Animal Behavior Consultant, I lecture widely on Toy and Small dogs, Wellness for pets including nutrition, training and behavior. I also facilitate canine musical freestyle dance movement workshops, including music selection. I am a learning facilitator for the Dog Training and Management Program at Kutztown University. I am also an experienced television producer/host, and a lively guest expert on various radio and television programs.